Available online
Description
If society opts for an expanding economy, then resources will have to be found to meet the increasing demands. Thin programme looks at several Resource Ideas for the Future, particularly those whic...h have interesting implications. What at first sight might appear to be a good idea could well turn out to be a non-starter on further study. Conversely, what might seem to be pure science fiction could eventually turn out to be realistic. The ideas examined are the Ranee Tidal Power Scheme in Brittany, the electric motor car in terms of the lead battery, the mining of deep oceanic manganese nodules, the towing of icebergs as water resources from the Antarctic to Western Australia, and the concept of the hydrogen economy. The speakers are Professor Ian Gass, John Wright, Dr. Stephen Drury and Dr. Richard Thorpe, who all teach in the Department of Earth Sciences at the Open University
If society opts for an expanding economy, then resources will have to be found to meet the increasing demands. Thin programme looks at several Resource Ideas for the Future, particularly those whic...h have interesting implications. What at first sight might appear to be a good idea could well turn out to be a non-starter on further study. Conversely, what might seem to be pure science fiction could eventually turn out to be realistic. The ideas examined are the Ranee Tidal Power Scheme in Brittany, the electric motor car in terms of the lead battery, the mining of deep oceanic manganese nodules, the towing of icebergs as water resources from the Antarctic to Western Australia, and the concept of the hydrogen economy. The speakers are Professor Ian Gass, John Wright, Dr. Stephen Drury and Dr. Richard Thorpe, who all teach in the Department of Earth Sciences at the Open University
| Item code: | S26-; 11 |
|---|---|
| First transmission date: | 13-07-1974 |
| Published: | 1974 |
| Rights Statement: | |
| Restrictions on use: | |
| Duration: | 00:24:19 |
| + Show more... | |
| Publisher: | BBC Open University |
| Keyword(s): | Brittany; Demands; Expanding economy; Rance tidal power scheme |
| Subject terms: | Natural resources |
| Footage description: | Ian Gass introduces the programme. He holds up an oceanic manganese nodule as an example of a resource idea for the future. The programme examines various resource possibilities for the future. Shot of a map of Brittany showing the location of the Rance Tidal Power scheme. Several shots of the scheme during constructs Commentary explains how the scheme was built and the amount of power it is expected to produce. Shots of a model of the completed scheme. Shots and commentary discuss other possible tidal power sites. Bristol channel is discussed. Ian Gass begins a discussion on alternative sources of energy to drive motor cars. Richard Thorpe continues. He compares a gallon of petrol with a lead acid battery. Film shots of an experimental electric car being driven in Pittsburgh, Pa. Commentary by Richard Thorpe gives details. Shots of battery pack being changed in the car. Richard Thorpe discusses some of the resource problems which electric cars on a mass scale would create. Ian Gass introduces the sequence. Shots of the British oceanographic research vessel "Discovery". Shots of Discovery dredging up samples from the ocean floor. Stephen Drury examines a manganese nodule from the Pacific. He explains the resource implications of the nodules. Shot of a global map showing the Pacific Ocean. Areas of manganese nodule abundance are marked. Areas of particular economic interest are also marked. Shots of the ocean floor show areas of nodule abundance and scarcity. Drury discusses the reserves of nodules on the ocean floor, and the metals they would provide. Stephen Drury discusses the problems of mining the nodules. He examines two ideas which have been put forward. Shots of artist's impressions of these in operation. Stephen Drury discusses some of the drawbacks (political and economic) of massive mining of metals on the ocean floor. Ian Gass introduces the sequence on water resources. Aerial shots of Antarctica which holds vast reserves of fresh water in the ice cap. Shots of shops moving icebergs to study the feasibility of moving icebergs to arid regions of the world. Commentary by Ian Gass discusses the advantages and disadvantages of this resource. John Wright demonstrates the laboratory method of producing hydrogen by electrolysis. He examines the possibility of using hydrogen as a fuel. Wright uses a diagram to illustrate his discussion on the problems of large scale production of hydrogen. The diagram shows the ultimate uses to which the hydrogen produced will be put as well as the production and storage components. Shots of a Saturn rocket at take off. Commentary by Wright discusses the various uses of hydrogen as a fuel. Film shot of the Hindenburg airship disaster. More shots of the Hindenburg in flight over New York (Shots are from the ground and from the airship). Wright points out that hydrogen has a bad name as a result. John Wright sums up the potential uses and problems for uses of hydrogen on a large scale |
| Master spool number: | 6HT/71388 |
| Production number: | 00525_1011 |
| Videofinder number: | 2792 |
| Available to public: | no |
